Calaveras County Health Department announces the "Great American Smokeout"

November Marks the Great American Smokeout

The Great American Smokeout has been observed for over 30 years as a way to encourage smokers to quit and to advocate for smoke-free laws and local ordinances that protect communities from secondhand smoke exposure.  Notable progress has been made in decreasing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from harmful exposure to secondhand smoke. Yet smoking related diseases, such as lung and other cancers, remain the leading causes of death and result in medical costs of $96 billion in the U.S. annually.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report 443,000 deaths each year are attributed to smoking and secondhand smoke exposure. In Calaveras County, the adult smoking rate [18.1%] remains significantly higher than the California state rate [11%].

The Calaveras County Public Health Department is observing the Great American Smokeout this November by working with preschool children and current smokers. “The Tobacco Prevention Program is working with young children to help them avoid tobacco use by learning about tobacco at an early age,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, County Health Officer.  A story book was written by students at Bret Harte High School and Public Health staff about secondhand smoke and cigarette butt litter.

The book will be read and distributed by Calaveras High School students and Public Health staff at local preschools in November.  “The story encourages parents to ask smokers to keep smoke and butt litter out of children’s play areas in our local parks,” continued Dr. Kelaita.  “The story teaches young children that tobacco and butt litter are not good for them,” added Kelaita.

To support the quit efforts of smokers, the Program offers no-cost Quit Kits and referrals to the California Smokers’ Helpline.  The Smokers’ Helpline,1.800.NOBUTTS, offers no-cost 1-1 cessation counseling by telephone.  For a limited time, the Helpline is also offering a two week nicotine patch starter kit that is available by mail  to adults living in Calaveras County.

Celebrate the Great American Smokeout this month and move Calaveras County closer to being a smoke-free community environment for all.